Pediatric dentist of the year offers hope to Kentucky school children

A toothbrush may not mean a lot to most people, but for children Jenny Ison Stigers treats it can seem like an early Christmas gift.

For the past 11 years, Stigers has operated a University of Kentucky mobile dental program that treats indigent elementary schoolchildren within a two-county region in the Bluegrass state. While Stigers and her staff of two examine nearly 200 children at schools in western Kentucky each year, the number of students who qualify for comprehensive treatment based on their parents' income level varies.

When school is in session, Stigers makes the 120-mile trip from Cape Girardeau to schools in Marshall and Fulton counties. Though the drive can be monotonous at times, Stigers said she doesn't mind the trek because of the smile on children's faces after they receive as simple a gift as a toothbrush.

"I've always had a real affection for children," Stigers said. "The best part of my job is knowing that I am making a difference in these kids' lives to the point that they wouldn't receive care if it weren't for our clinic."

Stigers' dedication recently won her the 2008 Pediatric Dentist of the Year. Established in 1998, this annual award given by the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry honors a pediatric dentist who has made significant contributions to the profession, as well as extensive volunteer leadership service to the industry and community.

A past president of the Kentucky Association of Pediatric Dentistry, Stigers has served on numerous AAPD councils and committees. Her activities include Reference Manual editor and chairwoman on the Council on Clinical Affairs.

AAPD president Beverly Largent said despite the honors Stigers has collected, she has remained grounded and humble.

"She's a very bright, energetic and hard-working individual who has remained humble despite all of the awards she has won," said Largent, who has known Stigers for 11 years. "There was no question she deserved the award because of the children's lives she has changed at the schools."

Rick Garland, Family Resource Youth Service Center coordinator in Fulton County, Ky., said the services Stigers provides are priceless.

Because the closest dental office is 20 miles from Fulton County Elementary School in Hickman, Ky. — one of the schools Stigers serves — he said some children from low-income families may be hard-pressed to find transportation to receive oral care.

"In a rural area like ours, it would be very difficult for some of these children to receive the oral treatment needed if it weren't for Jenny Stigers," Garland said. "It is evident how much she loves her work by the rapport she has with the students."

Since entering the profession after her graduation from the Indiana University School of Dentistry in 1989, Stigers has noticed a correlation between the dental history of adults and their children.

"Poor oral health for children is the root of all kinds of issues once they reach adulthood," Stigers said. "If parents can learn the best preventive measures for their children, then we can greatly reduce problems that could arise later in life."

Stigers said bacteria responsible for most oral problems usually is passed from the mother to her children. Therefore, Stigers said, if the mom has a disease, she should refrain from kissing or sharing eating utensils with her children to prevent the spread of germs.

"Overall, education is the key," Stigers said. "That's a main philosophy I try to stress to parents, whether they are in Kentucky, Cape Girardeau or another area."

bblackwell@semissourian.com

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